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A man has become the first fatality in the latest flood event in New South Wales as authorities urge people in at-risk communities to evacuate early.
Emergency services attempted to rescue the as yet unidentified man at Parramatta River, who was reportedly kayaking when he drowned. Despite the efforts of the police and staff from marine rescue, the man died at the scene.
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A member of the public also attempted to save the man. NSW Police said authorities are attempting to identify him. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Meanwhile, NSW residents are bracing for more heavy rain and flooding as dangerous downpours continue overnight.
Areas stretching from Newcastle to the South Coast and as far inland as Oberon are at risk, especially western Sydney's flood-prone Hawkesbury-Nepean area.
NSW Emergency Services Minister Steph Cooke warned affected communities not to take their safety for granted.
"It was a long night last night. It's been a very long day today, and tonight will be another long night for our emergency services workers and our volunteers," she said.
A tennis club is seen inundated by floodwaters in Camden in South Western Sydney on Sunday, 3 July 2022. Source: AAP / MICK TSIKAS/AAPIMAGE
"If you were safe in 2021 do not assume you will be safe tonight. This is a rapidly evolving situation and we could see areas impacted that we haven't seen before."
The NSW SES urged the people to stay safe, and those in flood-prone areas to avoid unnecessary travel as the rain persists.
Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey said 137 flood rescues have taken place and SES members have responded to more than 3000 requests for assistance.
"In many areas it is still an evolving flood situation, and we may see more rain than what was originally forecast," he said.
The wet weather system is expected to move south along the Hunter, Central and Sydney coasts in the next 24 hours.
A coastal trough lingering since Friday deepened while an east coast low-pressure system formed off the Mid North Coast. The Bureau of Meteorology's Jane Golding said thunderstorms are also expected, potentially delivering more rain and flash floods.
The bureau has issued flood warnings for the Hawkesbury, Nepean and Colo rivers where levels in some parts of these catchments have already exceeded levels recorded earlier this year.
Camden in Sydney's far southwest Sydney will be in for a lashing, Ms Golding said. "It'll be at its worst tonight."
WaterNSW said its modelling showed water spilling out of the dam at a rate of about 240 gigalitres a day, and coming into the dam at about 380GL a day, with both figures expected to rise as rain increased.
The agency's modelling indicated the peak spill would be comparable to flooding in March of last year.
The Hawkesbury-Nepean River exceeded major flood levels on Saturday night and releases from the dam could contribute to further rises.
The bureau warned river heights could reach those of March this year at North Richmond and Windsor.
Residents told to evacuate early
Residents in a number of areas have been ordered to evacuate, but Emergency Services Minister Steph Cooke said people don't need to wait to be told to leave.
"If you are feeling uncomfortable or unsure about your circumstances, and there is an opportunity for you to leave earlier, don't necessarily wait for an evacuation order," she said.
SES Commissioner Carlene York said the agency conducted 29 flood rescues in the past 24 hours.
The situation worsened so quickly overnight several areas were ordered to evacuate without the usual warning.
Ms York said locals should monitor the situation while also checking for SES warnings to evacuate.
"Be prepared and be aware of your surroundings so that you can make a sensible and safe decision," she said.
Evacuation centres are active in western Sydney at Canley Vale's Cabra-Vale Diggers Club, Narellan community centre, Gymea Tradies Club, Richmond Club, North Richmond community centre and Castle Hill RSL.
NSW SES workers rescue Shetland ponies at Milperra. Source: Facebook / NSW SES Bankstown Unit
Close to 300mm of rain recorded over 24 hours in parts of NSW
The SES was joined by 100 Australian Defence Force members on Sunday, assisting with sandbagging and doorknocking communities to warn of flood threats.
"At this stage, we've asked them to really concentrate on the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley area which seems to be the big risk," Ms York said.
The bureau's hazards preparation and response manager Jane Golding said a coastal trough lingering since Friday deepened while an east coast low-pressure system formed off the Mid North Coast.
"That's produced some extraordinary rainfall rates over the last 24 hours... many locations have seen up to 200mm and some close to 300mm," she said.
The weather system is expected to move south along the Hunter, Central and Sydney coasts in the next 24 hours.
Thunderstorms are also expected, potentially delivering more rain and flash floods, Ms Golding said.
People are being told to avoid any non-essential travel, including on public transport, with some roads already underwater and others at risk of sudden flash flooding.
The latest NSW SES warnings can be found .
Evacuation orders in place for:
Agnes Banks, Angus, Gronos Point, Plough and Harrow Dam near Abbotsbury and Cecil Hills, Pleasure Point, Bents Basin, Wallacia, Camden, Woronora, Chipping Norton, Georges Hall, Lansvale, Moorebank, Warwick Farm, Leets Vale, Ebenezer, Pitt Town, Pitt Town Bottoms, North Richmond, Sackville, Cattai, Cornwallis, Richmond Lowlands, South Windsor and Bligh Park.
Evacuation warnings affect:
East Hills, Picnic Point, Penrith, Emu Plains, Mulgoa, Jamisontown and Cranebrook.
Moderate to major flooding forecast for:
Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers, Colo River, Georges River and Shoalhaven River.
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